Method and apparatus for feeding cut tobacco



Aug. 17, 1943. D. W. MoLlNs ET-AL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FEEDING CUT TOBACCO Filed July l, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet l Aug. 17, 1943. D. w. MoLlNs ET Al.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FEEDING CUT TOBACCOv Filed July l, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 .BI I Mw) M) WMe/fm Aug- 17, 1943. D. W. MOLINSET AL 2,326,793

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FEEDING CUT TOBACCO Filed July l, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 m ,32%, M wm ug. 17,Y 1943.

D. w. MoLlNs ET AL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FEEDING CUT TOBACCO Filed July l, 19.39 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FEEDING CUT TOBACCO Filed July 1, 1939 5 sheets-sheet 5 Patented Aug. 1.7, `1943 f oortjes,

Awerdly moving tobacco engaged by UNITED* .Sm-:ES fornite] ME-rnonANn APPARATUS non reenter@ Y I CUT 'roeooo Y 1 Desmond waiieritioims one Felix' Fraser-ionized London; England,- assignors to Molins Machine Company Limited, London England f Y Appiication July 1, 193e, sei-ei stesse InGreat Britain Juiy 1&38

42 Claims. (Ci. 1314109) y This invention is for improvernents` in or relating to apparatus forfeeding out tobacco, and

refers to apparatus of the .kind in which the out` tobacco is carried by an endless conveyor having tobacco-engaging teeth thereon.

In machines of the kind described it is `usual for the conveyor (e. g., a .carded conveyor) initially to feed more tobacco than is required and for this reason meansare employed for removing the surplus tobacco and for forming a substantially even Carpet of tobacco on the conveyor.

the` teeth thereof to separate sur-plus tobacco from the conveyor andmeens to deleotand 'guide separated tobacco away from the Conveyor incite same general direction'of movement in a ,path which diveree's-fromthat of the conveyor.y Moens may he. provided for positively feeding Separated I tobaecointhe saiddivergingpath.

Again, aocordine'to the present inventionthere is provided apparatus ofthe kind referred to comprising 4in combination means to move the Conveyor forwardly While carrying tobacco which has vbeen agbstraoted'from a Supply, Separating devioeto separatesurplus tobacco from'fthe conveyor, said separating device having tobacco-enseeing teeth which are opposed tothegdirection of movement of thejonveyor and adjacentjthc teeth oi thefoonveyor, and means to cause during-operation@ the epparatosrelative move ment; (e, et, reiative reciorooeto'ry movement)v between the Conveyor 'end .thotteth ofthe seooretins 'device ino direction transverse to the tionvtheremevfbe provided presser means for :pressing tobacco into the'teethof the conveyor Whilst guiding it in its same general direction of movement in e path which diverges from'that of the conveyor.

Further according to the present invention tere is provided a method of-removing surplus tobacco from the endless oonveyorrby a separating device lhaving an uneven tobaooeengaging edge, comprising moving the conveyor forwardly Whilst having tobacco thereon, 'arranging the separating .devoe'so thattne edge is opposed to the direction of movement ofthe conveyor ata position adjacent the teeth thereof and causing the edge to give alat'eral movement to the fortlleedge to separate surplus tobacco; from -`the conveyor. Pressure may be applied to the tobacco onthe conveyor in the region cioseto the tobaoco-renseeing edge for the purpose of packing tobacco into the conveyor teeth and for holding the tobasco aga-inst the conveyor during 'separation of surplus tobacco, thus assistn,lr the `Separation of surplus tobacco. Preferably the separated tobasco is returned on to the conveyor at a position in advance of that where the said pressure applied. Y

.The invention also provides apparatus of the vkind referred to, wherein there is provided a separating devise having a tobacco-(engaging Edge lforwardrnovement ofthe conveyor, I In apparatus eooordinglto the present invenin the. region of the tobeoCo-eneegingedee. ,The

presser means may comprise a presser `clement' which 11as,.co nsidered in the directionof `movement of the conveyon. a convex tobacco-engaging surface'. which is'freelymounted toride on the :tobacco fed by the conveyor. ".The means'to de- H fleet theseoarotedi tooo-ooo away fromthe Con- Y veyor moy .comprise a passage. having opposed Wells and a raking devioemay beltr'ianged to move tobacco .away "fromthe outlet of theorissage to deposit tobacco removed rQmAthe oessege upon the surface of. the Conveyor. at o .position in advanceoithefseid Separating dethe remover' means, :the raking device .and the v inietinto the passage to guide the tobacco to te so located that the edge is opposed to the direction oi movement of the Conveyor and adjacent? ;dep'osited by thek rakingdevce to .a position in advanoe ofthe passage; The gui-de surface may be' Vprovided on" the` upper surface of Vthe presser element which. ,may be., of ovaie ,0r-likev shape in section teken alone a plone .lyng in the direction of movement-ofthe conveyor."Y The .Dresser elementy preferably comprises one of' the opposed Wells of thepossage and means may be provided Vfor compaoting Vthe separated tobacco in the pos-sage. Y

l Preferably the separating device 'has teeth" wnioniare nof generally. rectangular shapehe tobacco-engaging edge'being constituted in 'suon to a portion of Figure 1 but illustrating a slight l modification.

Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1. f

Figure 3 is an end view of the apparatus, partly in section, and looking in the direction of the arrow A in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a detail in section of the tobacco# separating device shown in Figure 1, but slightly modified.

Figure 5 is a plan showing Va part of the t0- bacco-separating device and showing the shape of the tobacco-engaging, edge. l

Figure 6 is a sectional view of a modied construction embodying the invention. Y

Figures 7 and 8 are views taken from each end of the tobacco feeding apparatus shown in Figure 1 and show the. driving arrangements. y

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughoutthe several figures of the drawings. Referring to Figure 1, the apparatus comprises a Vhopper yI at the bottom of which there is a smooth roller 2 having retractable pins 3 operating in .known manner. The conveyor roller 4 has tobacco-engaging teeth formed by'cards, the

the blade and having a curved, guide surface.

The separating device is located adjacent the teeth of the conveyor 4 and has-a tobaccoengaging edge 9 which isopposed to the direction of movement of the conveyor and which is adjacent the teeth of the conveyor 4 and arciently thinV to effect separation in a satisfactory manner.

The edge 9 is placed as close as possible to the tops of the teeth on the conveyor 4, although in practice a slight space is allowed between the edge 9 and the conveyor teeth to prevent fouling betweenthe edge and the conveyor teeth due to possible irregularities ofthe latter.

In the example described and shown in Figure 1, the teeth of the blade 6 are bent upwardly (as also shown by thechain line 690 in Figure 5), so that all parts of the tobacco-engaging edge 9 are at the same distance above the teeth of the conveyor 4.

The blade element 6 is reciprocated as de- VVscribed later, in a direction transverse to the Y g direction of movement of the surface of the conveyor. This lateral reciproc-ation of the saw edge assists in separating the surplus tobacco from tobacco between the conveyor teeth and also tends to cause an even distribution of the tobacco. YThis will be so, since surplus tobacco removed from one part of 'the conveyor can ranged to separate surplus tobacco from the conveyor.

Asfcan be seen more clearly from Figure 5, the tobacco-engaging edge 9 of the tobacco-separatingdevice is uneven and saw-like in profile, vthe blade element I5 being provided with teeth which y, are of generally rectangular shape and the tobacco-engaging edge is constituted by the free edges of the teeth (that is to say, the tops and sides of the teeth), as Well as the edges connecting the bases of adjacent teeth. The free edges of the teeth are chamfered as are also the edges connecting the bases of adjacent teeth. 'I'hus in effect the whole of the uneven edge 9 of the blade G constitutes a tobacco-engaging edge which as can be seen from the drawings is of substantial conveyor 4.

The edge itself although thin is not sharp, since a sharp edge would have the Vtendency to cut the tobacco unduly. An edge of about 0.4 millimetre to 0.8 millimetre is, however, suffiin this way be brushed by the teeth of the blade 6 to ll the conveyor teeth at portions which may have aV shortage of tobacco. The extent of this transverse movement will be a question of individual choice, but it will be obvious that the longer the stroke, within reason, the better will be the distributing effect.y In order to prevent tobacco being carried sideways off the conveyor, the back portion of the hopper I above the roller. 2 and to the right ofthe conveyor 4 (as seen in Figure 1) is made narrower than the roller 2 and the conveyor 4 so that the width ofthe conveyor isY greater than the width of the tobacco stream carried by it to the edge 9. After passing the edge, the tobacco stream is wider and -in the form of a carpet.

Surplus'tobacco which is not spread ordistributed as'aforesaid passes over theredge 9 so that it is removed/from the conveyor 4 by being deflected by the edge and the guide surface v8Y away from the conveyor whilst being guided l in its same Ygeneral direction o f movement in a path which diverges from that of the conveyor and is prevented from being Yfed past the edge.

Looatedrabove the tobacco-engaging edge 9 and slightly'to'the'right of it as shown in Figure l therefi'sjjprovided a presser element of light construction sok as to"apply a relatively lightpressu'rewto the tobacco on the conveyor '4 in the region `ofthe tobacco-engaging edge 9. The presser element II! tends to pack the tobacco in to the teeth'of the conveyor 4 and holds the tobacco during the separation of surplus tobacco from the surface cf the conveyor, thus assisting the separation.

The'presser element as can be seen in Figure 1 has, considered rin the direction of movement of the conveyor, a convexl tobacco-engaging surface, and is freely mounted to ride on the tobacco fed by the conveyor 4. This is effected by mounting the presser element I9 on armsrI I which are pivoted at I2, thus permitting the presser element Iii to oscillate about the centre I2. The presser element is of ovate section taken along a plane lying in the direction of movement of the conveyor. vThe presser element I0 constitutes one of the opposed walls of a passage, the other wall being constituted by the guide element 8. This presser element ID and the guide 8 form a diverging passage through which surplus tobacco iscaused to pass after ithas separated from the escapes is made" diverging in order to reduce anyltend'- encyf'f'orthe tobacco to form a choke vin the pas.

sage. Y The-sides m2 of thehopper form'the other `walls of the passage.` The frame IIJI carriesthe sides IGZ. y Y

VLocated abovethe passage there is provided a tamper element I3 which isarranged'to berecip- Vrocated vertically. The tamper I3 is suspended from an end Vof the lever I4Hby a chain I 5 '-The lever lll `is mounted on a shaft I6 which is operated mechanically to raise and-lower-the tamper I3. Above thepresser element and to the right of it there is provided ajroller II having'rearwardly inclined pins I8 toconstitute a returner means for removing tobacco away frornthecutlet of the passage, that is, tobacco emerging from between the bottom of theftamper I3 and the presser member ID and for depositorytobacco so removed uponthe surface ofthe conveyor 4; at -a position in advance of the"tobacco-engagingedge 9. As can be `seen in Figure 1 the Vdirection of rotation of the roller II is anti-clockwise. l

The function of the raking pins I8 is not Aonly to return tobacco to the surfaceof the conveyor,

Y but also to act as a rough trimming device for f the tobaccoA onthe conveyor 4 itself for the to'- bacco which hasbeen abstracted from Vthesupply Yin, thehoppenj The'raking teeth IB removellarge masses of tobacco which may be brought upl by the conveyor Il. The finer control is, howeven effected by the separating ,deviceA In the yexample depi'ctedinligure Yl jinj'the Adrawings. the returner'rneans comprises a'raking device. The upper 'and vruiter @surface of the presser, element is comprises' aguiding surface u i .vh'ich is interposed between the raking 'jdevice and the inletendof'the .passage and guides the 'tobaccoto be deposited bythe pins I8 to a positien in advance ofthe passage. It'will be appreciated that the inletend of the' passage is defined by the area lying'` betweenV the tobacco-engaging edge 9 cfthe separating device and thelower surfaceof'the presser 'element IB.'

instead of providing apresser element of ovate section such as the presser element "I l), the presser element may be of circular section and may be varranged tobe freelymounted about. its centre, as illustratedn Figurefla. The roller presser elementY could be `arranged to be pivotedl ina similar manner to Y the presser element Il?. A

roller is, however, not so good as the ovate vsection, since with a Yroller an accumulation of tobacco tends to form in front of the roller, Whereas 'the narrow end .of the ovate llls` the area in which tobacco would otherwise accumulate in front of a roller. Y

Y The Ymechanism for recprocatingthe blade 6 is shown in Figures 2 and 3. The blade 5 is connected by clamps IES to flexible straps IDII- fixedA c at 3S to curved faces of double armed levers 39 which are. pivoted at 4Q to bracketsl xedlto the hopper frames.

Tl'iebrackets' may Abe adjusted ,by screwsp42 so that the position of the blade f6 Ywith-respect to the conveyor 4 may be accurately adjusted. The levers t9 are also connectedtogether by straps 3 Xed thereto at IllV andrthejstraps vare connected together by a straining device '45 whereby the Vmember sioncd.

A lever iii is fixed to one of the double armed levers 39 and is pivotally attached to an eccentric rod'l. V`

the attachment consists of a universal joint.

`i3 may be suitably *ten-k.

man is-miedat'itsiwer end Loran feecent'ric strap-48 mounted orran eccentriclw` driven as described1ater.'fl'lhus as the eccentric on an angle support 1 1...

vrotatesthe blade'' isre'ciprocated, being guided 4 v In the modied construction shown in Figure lgthe .tobacco-engaging edge 9 .is' constituted by teeth similar -to thoseashownfin Figure .5, but

formed in one piecerwith the guide 8, which in' this construction isreciprocated in a similar manner to Vthator reciprocating vthe blade 6, In Figure 4, the guidel is securedtoan angle piece H3, which: is slidably"V mountedV on the anglesupport I and is guided .by studs H4 Work Y 'ing in slots in thesupport-.; YInV this construction the angle piece II3is connected to the ilex-v ible straps Il4. f

` It will. be appreciated that the '.tobaccoiaiter passing the. separating device canbe dealtwith in innumerable ways. The apparatus shown `in Figure 1 is only an example and; illustrates oneY complete tobacco-feeding i apparatus provided with` a tobacco-'separating device made inac-A cordance with thepresent invention(r :The tobacco on"the conveyor 13. afterv passing the tobacco-separating* device/is. .liickedfbyv a picker roller 5@ and guided over a'concavefguide I-and discharged onto'the surface of a roller 52' having vanes 53Which throw theitobacco in an upwardly directed stream. The shower falls on-a .carded roller 54 and is conveyed thereby through a curved' passage formed by a shroud' B5; After passing through theV passage :the Vtobacco is picked from'the carded rollerilfbt7 a picker `.roller V55 anddischarged-down a chute |453 onV to a-web of cigarette-paper oraband I "This method of removing tobacco from' the c conveyor roller 4 permits Io'fa Winnowing opera-V I tion' because stalks or heavy particles are thrown kby the -vanes 53 tosucha height as indicated by theV dotted paths in Figure l that they'fall into Y'a box- E'LVY-YA small roller lis provided: at the entrance-to the vpassager formed by the shroud V55 to `assist in regulating theentrance of tobacco The driving `arrangements may best be seen AtY thc .other end of the mainshaftv Gil are rxed ,two pulleys referred tolater, seeFigure 7.

.The coun'tershaft 62 also carries ra pulley which y 'inthe drawings ishdden bythe sprocket S5.

' A belt 68 on this pulley drives an upper pulley Y Sanxedona shaft '18. A'sprocket'l Von shaft "IU drives anotherv sprocket I2` by a chain '73.V

The sprocket 'IZ- isixed toa shaftv 'Mmcunted inbearings'inthe.hopperframes IBI and termed lfor clearness theliopper drive shaft'. The other end of the shaft, see Figure 7, carries a sprocket The pivotcomprises a self-aligning u ball race so that 15 and as will bessen from Figure. the cam 3l.

A gear 'IB'.r Figure .8,v ongthe hopperdrive sh'aitV engages Vwith a larger gearl vto the baclco'f which is xed a small gear .'18 which engages VWith a ylarge gear 1 9 ,ix'ed ltd thelfspindle I 0;' 5 of the' conveyor 4.

have as far Vas possible been Vshown in Figure 6 to the-lever |64.

The `mainshaft 64.1has, aspreviously lmentioned, two pulleys onv its end. These are ofthe same diameter and thexone in front, 88,has a belt 8| on it which drives4 a ,pulleyf 82Awhichis fixed to the shaft of the Vvaried rollerg52. Another pulley on the'same shaft and of` the same diameter and behind the pulley82', is connected by a belt 83 whichpassescaround aV pulley 84 Von the spindle o the picker roller 58and round Yan idler 85. The pulley behindlthe pulley ilis connected by a crossed belt 86 to a pulley-81 on the spindle of the picker rollerY 58. Y

The sprocket 15 `drives the raking drum |41 by a chain 88 which passes aroundia sprocket 80 on the spindle ofsaid drum. :The chain also passes around a sprocket 98 to which is Xed the eccentric 49.

The feed'roller 2 has a sprocket 8| fixed to its Aspindle which is driven by'a chain 92 which passes aro-und a sprocket 93 on `the spindle |06 of the conveyor roller 4... i A

The roller 54`has a gear |01 on its spindle which engages with another gear |88 on the spincile of roller 53. A sprocket '|09 fixed toygear |08 is driven by a chainl l0 from a sprocket The latter has; a gear ||2 nxed to it `which engages with the large gear 19.

Inv this manner all the rollers are drivenin the directions shown at the appropriatespeeds.

Figure shows a modified construction in accordance with the present invention. The separating device as can becseen --from Figure 6 is the same as that shown in `Figure 1. Thetamping device I3 is similarlyarranged,tothat shown in Figure 1. In Figure 6, however, there is provided in front ofthe tobacco-engaging edge v9 a roller 2|0 which rotates in a clockwise direction so that the co-operating portions of the roller 4 and the roller 2|0 move Ain the same direction.

The teeth on the roller 2|8 are1not so close to.

gether as on the conveyor 4 and the roller 2|@ lgoes, at a slower peripheral speed than vthe conveyor 4. As in the case of the presserelement I in Figure 1, the roller2|0 helps to pack the tobacco into theteeth of the conveyor 4 `Aand .holds the tobacco during the separation of surplus tobacco, .thereby vassisting the `.separating action of the tobacco-engaging edge 9.

Surplus tobacco is positively removed from' the conveyor 4 by the roller lI8 and is taken upwardly through the passage between the surface of the guide 8 andv the roller 2|8, so that it is guidedjaway from Ythe conveyor in its' same general direction of movement in a path which diverges from that ofthe conveyor 4 whilst being positively fed by the ro1ler2|8. Tobacco carried by the roller 2|0 isV removed from the teeth of the latter` by a'raking device having rakes- |80 carried on an arm |8| whichis pivoted ata point |82. The rakes |80 are pivotally mounted on the arm |8| at a point |83, but are frictionallyi held against angular movement'on'the arm |8I.

A lever |84 is provided `on the mountingv for the rakes |88, anda chain |85 anchored tothe frame of the machine at |88 is connected as nected to the rakes |88 there is a cam |81 having a surface |88 which is adapted to engage a fixed stop |89 when the lever arm |8I, which is positively driven, 'is' in its uppermost position.

Also con-" cause the leverV |84 to turn in an anti-clockwise directionand thus further movement of the-lever .-|,8| wilLcause the ends of the rakes to move through-the path |92. At the end of the anticlockwise stroke the ends of the rakes |80 will be at point |93, and thus on the clockwise stroke .the ends of the rakes will follow a path |84 shown in dotted lines, `that path being an are struck from the centre |82. When, however, the lever |8| has moved suflicien'tly far in its clockwise stroke that the ends of the rakes |80 reach the point |95, the cam surface |88 will have engaged .the xed stop |89. Y Continued movement of the lever |8| in the clockwise direction Will cause the cam |81 and the rakes |80 to turn in alolockwise direction about .the centre |83, and thus the ends of the rakes will follow the path` |95 so that at the en d of the-clockwise stroke, the ends of the rakes ,will be in the position |91. They then move through the aforesaid path which is an arc struck from the point |82. In the anti-clockwise stroke the rakes remove tobacco from the teethfof the roller 2|0. Some of this removed tobacco. Will be returned to theY surface of the conveyor 4 and other tobacco will be taken by the rakes and returned into the hopper.

v,The rakes |80 moving along the path |90 are arranged to providea` rough trimming action for the tobacco on the conveyor 4, thene trimming as is also thecase in Figure 1 being effected by the separating device 5.

The tobacco after passingthe separating device p 5`may be fed in'thermanner shown in Figure l `or inany other convenient or desired manner. 35

Y Figure 6, ,a raking device such as is described in Instead of'using the raking devicel shown in British Patent specification No. 441,433 could be provided. The advantage, however, 0f the con- Y struction shown in'Figure 6 is that on the clockwise stroke ofthe rake the ends of the rakes are removed to a distance from the surface of the conveyor 4 so that they have no action whatsoever on the tobacco on'the clockwise stroke.

What we claim as our invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: l

l. Apparatus for removing surplus tobacco from an endless conveyor having tobacco-engaging teeth thereon comprising aseparating device having tobacco-engaging teeth for separating surplus ltobacco from the conveyor, means for reciprocating said teeth in a direction transverse'to the di- 'rectionof Vmovement of the conveyor, means to press the tobacco'on the conveyor in the region of the reciprocating tobacco-engaging teeth to facilitate separation of the tobacco, a passage for deflecting and guiding separated tobacco away from the surface of the Conveyor and Ymeans to return separated tobacco to the surface of the Vconveyor at a position in advance of the pressure means.

' '2. A method of feeding cut tobacco, comprising the -steps of abstracting tobacco from a source of supply, moving the tobacco so abstracted forwardly onV an endless conveyor having tobaccoengagingV teeth thereon and removing surplus tobacco from the conveyor by directing a separating device having an uneven tobacco-engaging edge so that the edge isopposed to the direction of The construction is such that as -the lever |8| kmoves in an anti-clockwise Vdirection the ends of the rakes will bein the path |88 shown in dotted lines in Figure 6. Y

After reaching the point` |9| thechain |853wi11i Vallel 'to movement of the conveyor at a position adjacent the teeth thereof, and by causing relative movement between the tobacco-engaging edge and the conveyor in asingle direction substantially par- ,the surface of the conveyor and transverse tothe direction of the forward movement of the conveyor while arranging that all tobacco. Y

points of the edge are alwaysadjacentto and in substantially the same spacedrelationtc the sur-V face containing the free points of the teeth of the conveyor. f

3. A method of feeding cut tobacco, comprising the steps of abstracting tobacco from a source of supply, moving the tobacco so abstracted forwardly on an endless conveyor having Y'tobacco-v engaging teeth thereon, removing surplus tobacco from the conveyor by directing'a separating deviceV having an uneventobacco-engaging edge so that the edge is opposed to the direction oimovement of the conveyor at a 'position adjacent the teeth thereof and by causing relative movement between the tobacco-engagingedge-andthe ccnveyor in'a direction transverse to the direotionof the forward movement of thefconveyor; Vwhile arranging that all pointscf the edge are always adjacent to and in substantially the same! spaced relation to the surfacecontaining the free points of the teeth of theoonveyor, and dei'lectingI and Y guiding the tobacco sov separated in aV manner such that the' separated tobacco is guided inits same general direction of movement in a Ypath which diverges from'A that of the conveyor.-VY

4; A method of feeding cut tobacco,comprisf ing the steps of abstracting tobacco fromv a source of supplyjrnovingthe tobacco so abstracted forwardly on an endless conveyor having tobaccoengaging teeth thereon, removing surplus tobacco from the conveyor by directing a separating de of'v supply, moving thetobac'coso abstracted for.-

- wardly' on an endless. conveyor having tobacco Vvice having an uneven tobacco-engaging :edge so 'Y that theedge is opposed to the directicnof movement ofthe conveyor at a position adjacent the teethY thereof Y and' by causing relative .movement between the tobaccoengaging edge and the con- `veyor in a direction transverseto theY direction of the forward movement ofthe conveyor, .whilearranging that all points of the edgeare always ad- 'jaoent to and in substantially. the same spaced relation tothe surface containing the free points L of the teeth of the conveyor, and applying pressure to the tobacco on theconveyorin a region close tothe tobacco-engaging edge-tospackto- -bacco into the` conveyor teeth and to hold the tobacco during the separation ,of surplus tobacco for the purpose of assisting in separating Surplus v5. A method ofieeding out tobacco,- compris*- ing the steps of abstracting tobacco from a Source of supply, moving thetohacco so abstracted forwardly on an endless conveyor having .tobaccoengagng teeth thereon, removing .Surplus tobacco engaging .teeth thereon, rernovingsurplus tobago@ from the conveyor by. 'directing a;seIaratrlg'fio` vice having an uneven tobacco-engaging edgeso that the 'edge is opposed tothe direction-of movefV j ment'of the conveyor at a position adjelltrth.

teeth thereof and by causing relativefmovement between the tobacco-engaging edgearic h'e'llf .veyor insa direction transverse to the dleion Q;

the forward `movementof the conveyor, .il/hn@ keepingthe tobaccofengaging edgeadjaconty e v 1 teeth of the conveyor, applyinglpressure to. t e

tobacco on theconveyor ina. region close'to tobacco-engaging. edge to pack' tobacco. .into 'the conveyor teeth and to h old the tobacco during` the separation ofsurplustobacco orthymillqse Qi assistingln separatingsurplustobacco;andi-reF turning separated tobacco onto. the '.QDnYQyOl* .ad

a position inadvance of' that Where the said prese.

sure'is applied.v I i ment of the'l convey-or. at za posit-.ion adjacentwthe teeth -tliereo and bycausing relative. movement between the tobacco-.engaging edgeand `the con,- veyor vin a direction transverse to thedirection'o the forwardmovement of theY conveyor, while keeping the tobaccengaging edge Yadiattent*the teeth ofthe' conveyor, deectingand guiding the tobacco-sol separated a Y.fnaflllei: Such @that the separatedtobacco is guided Vin its sampgeneral.V i direction of movement ign .a path.. which diverges f from that of :the conveyor',` applying pressure to .the tobacco` onY the conveyor ,in aresioi-@Qlse to the 'tobacco-engaging.edgeto'nach tobacco. into the conveyorteethandito holdtle'toba@ dul-,

y j ing the separationo'zsurplus 'tobaccoi ,r the purf pose of assisting'in .separating surplus tobacco,`

` .Y and returning separated tobacco '.zontovhejlllifrom the conveyor by directing a separating de-i vice having an uneven tobacco-engaging edge so that the edge is opposed to the direction of movey ment o the conveyorat a positionadjacent the eeththereof and by causing relative movement between the tobacco-engaging edge andthe ccn-A veyor in-adirection transverse to .the direction ofl the forward movement ci the conveyor, while arl 'i ranging that all points of thegedge are always adjacent to and in substantially the same spaced rei lation to the surface containing theiree points of they teeth of the conveyonndeecting andv guiding the tobaccososeparated in arnanner: such that the separated tobacco is guided in its' saine'general direction. of. movement path which diverges from that of the conveyor, and applying l pressure to the tobacco on the conveyor in a .rei gion close to the tobacco-engaging edge to pack tobacco into the conveyor teeth and yto 1101.@ the tobacco during the separation of Surplus tobacco for the purpose of assisting n separating surplus i tobacco.

6. A method of feeding outtobacco;v compris-Y veyor at 1 a position in. advance said pressureis applied. f :Y

i 8.' In apparatus" for feedingzcut tobccoi- .a f

source of supply from whichtobaco is.: @betr ed,- 'a conveyor?havingtobaccefengaging t th I thereon toiconvey 'abstracted tobago@ forivgrgiiyy source of supply fromjwhichttobaccoi ntlat,

a ccnveyor'having tobacc-oeengagiilg'fteeth there- I on to convey abstracted'tobacco forwardly, means to move the conveyor forwardlyaseparating'device to .remove surplus tobacco from the conveyo.r,l said separating device havingan limi/'en tobaccoengaging edge adjacent the teeth df thecenveyor' and'opposed tothe direction of movement of. the 'conveyori and means t0 G8415@ duringnel'ntim 0f the apparatus relativeA movement. between-- the conveyor and said tobaccofengtgig edgeinn di- V'recticntransverse.to the drectiogle' .foi-Ward movement' of the conveyor while` keeping the tobaccoengagingredgezalways in Substantially ther same spaced relation tothe surace'entaining thefree points of the teeth of. the conyeyor, 9. In apparatus for feeding l'Cut 'tobcaf a means to move the conveyor. forwardlt'r a .separating device to remove surplustobaccolfomthe conveyor, said separating .device having@ leven tobacco-engagingedge adjacent the tthe YYconveyorr and opposed" to thefdireiill' of movement of the conveyor, and means because ing the steps of abstracting tobaccofrom'a source.

6 during operation. of the apparatus relative reciprocatory movementbetween the conveyor and said tobacco-engaging edge ina direction transverse to the direction of forward movement of the conveyor while keeping the tobaccofengaging Y edge always Vin substantiallythe same spaced relation to the surface containing, the free points Yof the teeth of the conveyor.

f 10.In` apparatus for. feeding cut tobacco, a source 'of supply fromwhich tobacco is abstracted, a. conveyor having tobacco-engaging vteeth thereon to 'convey abstractedtobacco forwardly, means to'move the conveyor forwardly, a separating device to remove surplus tobaccofrorn the conveyor, said separating dcvicethaving an uneven tobacco-engaging'edgeadjacent the teeth of the conveyory and vopposed to the direction of movement of the conveyor, means to cause during operationof the apparatus relativevmovement between theV conveyor and said tobaccofengaging edge in a direction transverse to the direction of forward movement of the conveyorwhile keeping the' tobacco-engaging'Y edge always in substantially the same spaced relation to the surface containing the free points of the teeth ofthe conveyor, and means to deflect and guide separated tobacco away from the conveyor in its same general direction of movement in a path which cliverges from that of the conveyor. f

v 11. In apparatus for feeding cut tobacco, a source of supply fromr whichtobacco is abstractedQa conveyor having tobacco-engaging teeth thereon to convey abstracted tobacco forwardly, means to move the conveyor forwardly, a separating device to remove surplus tobacco from the conveyor, said'separating devicehaving an uneven tobacco-engaging edger adjacent the teeth of the conveyor Tand. opposed to the direction cf `movement of the conveyor, means to cause during operation ofthe apparatus relative movement `between theconveyor and said tobacco-engaging edgein-a direction transverse to the direction of forward .movement of the conveyor whilekeeping the tobaccofengaging edge alwaysA in substantially'the same spaced relation to thesurf ace containing the'free points .of the teeth ofthe conveyor, and presser-means located in the region of the position at which the tobacco is engaged by the tobacco-engaging edge to press the tobacco into the teeth `of the conveyor.

12. In apparatusfor feeding cutl tobacco,

4.source of supply from which rtobacco is abstract- Y "ed, a" conveyor having toba-cco-engaging vteeth thereon to convey abstracted tobacco forwardly, means to move the conveyor forwardly, a Separating device to remove Ysurplus tobacco fromhthe conveyor, said separating device having an uneven tobacco-engaging edge adjacent Ythe teeth of the conveyor and opposed to the direction of `movement-of the conveyor, means to cause during operation ofthe apparatus relative movement between the conveyor andv said tobacco-engaging edge in a directionv transverse to the direction of forward movement of the conveyor whilekeeping the ytobacco-engaging edge-always in substantially the same spaced relation to the surface, containing the free points-of the teeth of lthe conveyor, means to deflect and guide separated tobacco away-from the conveyor ink its same gensourceof supply from which tobacco is abstract` ed, a conveyor. havingtobacco-engaging teetn thereon to convey abstracted tobacco'forwa'rdly, means to move the conveyor forwardlyfa separating device to remove surplus tobacco from 'the conveyor, said separating device rhaving an uneven tobacco-engaging edge .adjacent theteeth of the conveyor andropposed to the direction of movementof the conveyor, meansto 'cause during operation ofthe apparatus relative .movement between the conveyor and said tobaccoengaging edge in'a direction transverse tothe directionof forward movementofthe conveyor, and vfreely mounted Ypresser-means having, in the direction of movement of the conveyonla convex tobacco-engaging surface located in the. region ofthe position at which the tobacco is engaged bythe tobacco-engaging edgeto press the tobacco into the teeth of the conveyor.v Y

.14. In apparatus for feeding cut tobacco, a source o supplyfrom which tobacco is abstracted, a conveyor having tobacco-engagingv teeth thereon to convey abstracted tobacco forwardly, means to move the conveyor forwardly, a separating device having a tobacco-engaging edge arrangedgadjacent the teeth ofthe conveyonat a position' removed from the source of supply and opposed to the direction of movement ofthe conveyor toA separate surplus quantities of tobacco brought forward by the conveyor, the edge being so arranged that all points ofthe vedge are always adjacent to and in substantially the same spaced relation to the surface containing the free points of the teeth of the. conveyor, and means to defiect and guide the tobacco so removed away from the conveyor in its same general direction of movement in a path that diverges from that of the conveyor and prevent the feedingiof the tobacco so removed by the separating device.- 1 f 15. In apparatus for feeding cut tobacco, la

'sourceV of supply from which tobacco is abstractposition removed fromithe source of' supply. and

opposedto the direction of movement of the coneral direction of movement ina path which diverges from that .of the conveyor, and pressermeans located in the region of Vthe position at which the tobacco'is engaged by the tobacco-engaging edge to press'thetobacco into the teeth'of the-conveyor. i.' i

13. In apparatus for feeding cut tobacco, a

veyor toseparate surplus quantities of tobacco brought forward bythe conveyor, means to deilect and guide the tobacco so'removed away from the conveyor in its same general direction .of

ymovement in a paththat diverges from Ythat of the conveyor and prevent the' feeding of the tobacco so removed by the separating device, and

returner means to return to the surface of the conveyor at 'a position in advance of the tobaccoengaging edge and between the latter and the source of supply, tobacco which has been removed bythe separating device; Y'

16. In apparatusl for feeding A'cut tobacco,'a source Iof supply from which tobacco is abstracted a conveyor" having tobacco-engaging'jteeth thereon to convey' abstracted tobacco forwardly, means to move the conveyor forwardly, a separating device having a tobacco-engaging Vedge arranged adjaoent the teeth of lthev conveyor at a position removed from the source'of supply and opposedto the direction of movement'of the conveyor to separate surplus quantities ofhtobacco brought'fcrward by the conveyor, means to deflect and guide the tobacco so removed away from movement in a path that' diverges from that of asserts the Vconveyor'and prevent Ythe f eeding'oi the tobacco so removed by the' separating device, and a raking device Yto return to the surface of the conveyor, at a position in advance of the tobaccoengaging edge, tobacco which Vhas been' removed by the separating device. V

17. In apparatus for feeding cut tobacco, a source of supply from which tobaccov isabstracted, avconveyor' having` tobacco-engaging teeth thereon to convey abstracted tobacco for#V 1' wardly, means to move the ,conveyor for wardly,

a separating device having a tobacco-engaging edge arranged adjacent the teeth vof the' con-vA veyor and opposed tothe direction of move'- Inent of the conveyor toseparate vsurplus quan'- tities of tobacco brought forwardbythe conveyor, means to deflect and guide "the: tobacco so removed away from the conveyor in"i't s` same general 'direction of movement in a Apath that diverges from that of thelconveyor andprevent y the feeding of the tobaccojsoremovedby theV separating device, returner means to return to"` the 'surface of the conveyor, 4 at a position advance of the tobacco-engaging edgejtobacco which has been removed bythe separating def vice, 'and a presser-element located inthe-region of the position at which the tobacco is engaged by the tobacco-engaging edge'to press theto-4 bacoo into the teeth'of Vthe conveyor.

l8.'In 'apparatus for feeding out tobacco, la Y source vof supply from' which Vtobamco `is. ab-

stracted,V a conveyor having tobaccoengaging eeth'thereon to convey abstracted tobacco forwardly, means tomovethe conveyorv forwardly,V a separating` device having a tobacco-engags ing edge arranged Vadjacent 'theteeth ofthe con"-A veyor and opposed` to the'direction of movement of the conveyor to separate surplus quane tities of tobacco brought forward by the con# veyor, means to dellect and guide Athe tobacco 1so removed away from the conveyor'in its same general direction of moveme'nt'infa'path that diverges from that of the conveyor and 'prevent the feeding of the tobacco so removedfby; the separating device, returner meansto return to guiding surface interposed .between "the r'eturn'er meansv and the tobacco-engagingsurfacei of theyA presser=element toguide thetobacco to .fa posh 1 tion in Y advance of A the' Apresser-element, thetojbecco to be deposited byfthefreturnermeans.,

29.' Inapparatus for feeding yout' tobacco, a

sourcejof supply from which tobacc'ois'abstract-,- edg' a conveyor-having tobacco-engaging teethv thereon to conveya'ostracted tobacco lforwardly, means to' 'movethe'conveyor forwardly,v a sepa? rating device having-a tobacco-engaging edge arranged-adjacent the teeth ofV the conveyor and opposed to the direction of movement of theiconf ve'yorto separate surplus quantitiesgof tobacco brought forward by the. conveyonmeans toi d e- Yn'eetfanclgoide thetobacce soremeved away from thefconv'eyor 'inqits''same` generalf'directionpf movementin a paththat diverges fromthatfof' Vthe: 'conveyorand prevent th'e' feeding-.ortho to- Y I bYacco-soremoved bythefseparatingdevice, `re-y turner means'toreturntolthe surface of Vthe Y conveyor, at azpo'sitionfin advance of. thetobacc engaging edge; tobacco which has been. removed by the' separating devicegj a freely mounted presser-elementhaving Ain the .direction of move; ment ofthe conveyor a convex tobacco-,engaging surface located inthe-region.of--the positionat Which-the',tobacco-isengagedby the tobacco-en- Y Y gaging 'edge to-press the tobacco intovthe teeth ofA the conveyor,A andi alguiding' surfaceinterposed between the 'returnermeans and the tobacco-.engagingsurface or theipresserfelement tof guide the` tobaccoto position .in advance of'. the

pressereelement, `theYi'fobacc'o tobel deposited by v I the returnerimeans.'

the surface ofthe conveyonat a position in advance of the tobaccofengagi'ng edge, tobacco which has been removed'by the separatin'gdevice, and a freely mounted presser-elementhav'- ing in 'the direction of movement of the conveyor a conveX'tobacco-engaging surface located Y in the region of the position at-which'the tobacco is engaged by the tobacco-engaging edgeto press the tobacco into the teeth of theconveyor.

19. In apparatus Yfor1feedir1g cut-tobacco, 'a 'source of supply from which tobacco is abstracted,

a conveyor having tobacco-engaging teeth thereon to convey abstracted tobaccoforwardly, means to move the conveyorV forwardlyl a separating device having a tobacco-engaging edge arranged adjacent the lteeth of theconveyor and opposed to the direction of movement of the conveyorto 'separate .surplus quantities of tobacco brought forward by the conveyor, means to deflect Vand guidel the tobacco so removed away'fromfthe conveycr in its same genera-ldirectionk of movement in a path that diverges from that o f theconveyor and prevent the feedin'gof the tobacco so removed by theseparatng device,` returner means to return to the surfacer ofthe-conveyor,

at a position in advance ofthetobacco-engaging edge, tobacco which has been removed by the separating' device, a presser-element locatedin the region of the position at which thetobacco is'engaged by the tobacco-engaging edge-to press 21; r'igapparatusv for Yfeeding out tobaccofa source'ofsupply from which tobacco is abstracted; conveyorA having tobacco-engaging teeth Y thereon'toconvey abstracted tobaccoforwardly, means 'to move the conveyorlforwardly,l a; sepa ratingdevice havinga tobacco-engaging'-edgearf ranged adjacent thete'eth of the conveyorfaind. opposedt'o the direction ofrnovement ofztheco'nL l veyorto separatesurplus quantities oftobacco brought 'forwardjby thefconveyor means to deflect Y and g'uideithe tobacoosoj removed away fromthq l conveyor inf-itssarne generaldirection of move? ment path that-diverses fromithat of the conveyor 'and'prevent the feeding ofgtheV tobacco 'so removedby the' separating-device, returner means to return to the surface''of the conveyor, 'at apositioninadvance of the tobacco-engaging@ Aedge,-tobacco -which has been removedby thefr separ ating-di/e'vJ'lCe, and va presser-elementlocated inthe regioniof the positionjat'whieh the tobacco is engaged by the tobacco-engaging vedge togpress1v the tobaccointo the teeth ofthe conveyor, said presserelement being 'oft substantially 1ovat'eY. shape in section taken-enasubstantiallyvertical kplane lyingfin' the direction "of A.movlzmentief. Athe Conveyor' v. l ,17; vl .f- I .Y

Y 22;111 apparatusfor feeding out Vltobaccofay 'source ofsupply frOmSvJhiCh-tObacCo isabstractj ed, a conveyor hav-ing' tobacco-engaging!'te'etl thereuntoconvey'abstractedrtobaceoYforwardl Ymeans to Vmove the conveyor forwardly;:asepa-Y rating-'device having :ai tobacco engaging edge arranged adjacent the teeth 'of the conveyor and opposed tothe directionofmovement of the confv'eyor-to separate surplus quantitiesof tobacco brought forward. by the conveyor"meansl to :dei

lect and guide the-toba'ecoso removed awayfrom the' conv eyo1 iny itsf same general direction ,ofv i Y movement in a pathth'at diverge's fro'mlthatof Y the tobacco into the teeth ofthe conveyor, and a Y the conveyor `and prevent the feeding of the tobacco so removed by the separating-device, returner means to return to the surface of the conveyor, at 'a position in advance of the `tobaccoengagingedge, tobacco which has been removed by the separating-device, and a freely mounted presser-element located in the region of the posi- Y tion at which the tobacco is engaged by the tobacco-engaging edge to press the tobacco 4into the teeth of the conveyor, said presser-element being of substantially ovate shape in section taken onr a substantially vertical plane lying in the direction of movement of the conveyor.

23. In apparatus for feeding cut tobacco, a conveyor having tobacco-engaging teeth thereon, means to move the conveyor forwardly, a separating deviceY to remove surplus tobacco from the conveyor, said'device comprising a member having a tobacco-engaging edge adjacent the teeth of the conveyorand opposed tothe direction of means-to move the conveyor forwardly, a sepa'- rating device to remove surplus tobacco from the conveyor, said device-having aV tobacco-engaging edge adjacent the teeth of the conveyor and opposed to the direction of movement of the conveyor,A means to causeA` during operation of the apparatus relative movement between the conveyor and said tobacco-engaging edge in a direction transverse t-o the direction of forward movement of the conveyor, means to deflect and guide separated tobacco away from the conveyor in its same general direction of movement 'in a path which diverges from that of the conveyor, said last named'means including apassage having opposed walls land, a rakingdevice to move tobacco away* from the outlet of the passage and movement of the conveyor, the edge being arranged to causeseparationof surplus tobacco from .that brought by the conveyor, means to cause during operation of the apparatus relative Vmovement kbetween the conveyor and said tobacco-engaging'edge in a-direction transverse to the direction of forward movementv of the conveyor While arranging thatv all points of the edge are always .adjacentrto and in substantially the same spaced relation to the surface containing the free points of the teeth of the conveyor, and means to .deflect and guide continuously the separated tobaccoaway from the conveyor in its same general direction 0f movement in a path which divergesfrom that of the conveyor.

24. In apparatus for feeding cut tobacco, a

-conveyor having tobacco-engaging teeth thereon, means to move the conveyor forwardly, a separating device to remove surplus `tobacco fromsthe conveyor, said device having a tobacco-engaging edge adjacent the teeth of the conveyor and opposedto-the direction of movement of the conveyor, means to cause during. operation of the apparatus: relative movement between the conveyor` and said tobaccoengaging edge in a direction transvf-zrsetoA theI directionl of .forward movement ofthe conveyor, means to deflect and guide separatedtobacco away from the conveyor in its same general direction of movement in a path which diverges from that of the conveyor, and-means for positively feeding separated-tobacco in the said diverging path. Y

25. In apparatusfor feeding -cut tobacco, a

' conveyor having tobacco-engaging teeth thereon,

means'to movetheconveyor forwardlyya separating-device to remove surplus tobacco from the conveyor, said device having a tobacco-engaging edge. adjacentthe teeth of the conveyor and opposed to the direction of movement of the conveyor,Y means to cause during operation of the apparatus relative movement between the conveyor and said tobacco-engaging edge in a direcvtion transverse to the direction offorward movement ofthe conveyonfmeans to deect and guide separated tobacco away from the vconveyor in its Vsarrieffgeneral direction of ,n movement ,in a path which. diverges from that of the conveyor, said last named means including a passagehaving opposedwalls andremoverfjmeans to move tobacco away from the outletY ofthe passage and to deposit tobacco removed from the passage upon the surface of the conveyor at a position in advance of the tobacco separating device.

26. In lapparatus for feeding cut tobacco, a

conveyor having tobacco-engaging teeth thereon,

to deposit tobacco removedfrom the passage upon the surface, of the conveyor at a position in advance of the tobacco separating device.

v27. In apparatus for feeding cut tobacco, a conveyor having tobacco engaging teeth thereon, mean'suto move the conveyor forwardly, a separating device Vto remove surplus tobacco from lthe conveyor,` said device having a tobacco-engaging edge adjacent the teeth of the conveyorand opposed to thedirection of movement of the conveyor, means to cause during operation of the apparatus relative movement between the conveyor and .said tobacco-engaging edge in a direction transverse to the direction of forward movement of the conveyor, means to deflect and guide separated tobacco away from the conveyor in itssame general direction oi' movement in apathV which Ydiverges from that of Athe conveyor, saidlast named means includ- Iing vapassage having 'opposed walls, remover means to move tobacco away from the outlet of Vthe passage'and to, deposit tobacco removed the remover means and the inlet end of the `pas-y sage to lguide the tobacco to be deposited by the Yremover means to a position in 'advance of Vthe passage. Y'

Y 428. In apparatus for feeding cut tobacco, "a conveyor having tobacco-engaging teeth thereon, means to movethe conveyor forwardly, a separating device to remove surplus 'tobacco fromfthe conveyor, said device-having a tobacco-engaging edge adjacent the teeth of Vthe conveyor vand opposed to the direction ofinovement ofthe conveyor, means to deflect and guide separated tobacco away from Ythe conveyor in its same general direction of movement in apath which Yoliverges frornthatv of the conveyor, said last namedmeans includingk a passage having opposed walls, remover means to move tobacco away from the outlet of the passage and to deposit the tobacco removed from the passage upon the surface of the conveyor, and a guiding surface interposed between the remover means and the inlet endof` the passage to guide the tobacco'to be deposited bythe remover means to Y a position in advanceof thepassage.

29. In apparatus for feeding cut tobacco, a conveyor having'tobacco-'engaging teeth thereon, means to move the conveyor forwardly, a

separatingV device Yto remove surplus tobacco `-from the conveyor, saiddevice having a tobacco-engaging edge adjacentthe teeth of the conveyor and opposed, to the direction of move- `ment of the conveyor, means to deflect andguide posit -the tobacco removedirom'rthepassage luponf-the surface oi the conveyor, and apresserelement including twoA toloacrco-engaging4 .sur`

faces one of which presses -thetoloacco on vthe conveyor ,in the .region ofthe position .at which vthe .tobacco'is engagedby the separating device,

the .other -ofV said surfaces constituting l.a,guiding surface to kguide .the tobacco .to be deposited by the remover means fto a position Ain advance ci the passage.

'30. In lapparatus for feeding cut tobacco, a conveyor having tobacco-engaging teeth there om means to move 'the conveyor forwardly, a separating device to remove. surplus tobacco from the conveyor, saidV device having atoloao- (zo-engaging edge adjacent vthe -teeth of the ,conveyor and 4opposed to the direction of movement of 'the conveyor, means to deflect and .guide separated 'tobacco away 'from the conveyor` in its same general direction of movementliri a path which Vdiverges Vfrom that ofthe. conveyor, said last named Vmeans including a passage having opposed walls, remover means to move tobacco away from the outlet oi' thelpassage and to defposiit 'the tobacco removed `trom the'passage upon the surface ofthe conveyor, and a presserelement of substantially ovate shape in section taken along a substantially vertical planelying in the direction -oirmovement of `the conveyor` and including two tobaccoengaging surfaces one of Vwhich presses the tobacco on theV 'conveyor in the region of the position at which the l tobacco is engaged 'oy the separating device,

the other of said surfaces constituting agguiding surface to kguide 'the tobacco to be deposited by the remover means to a position in advance `of the passage. Y Y 4 A v, 31. ln' apparatus for feeding `cut tobacco, a conveyor Vhaving tobacco "engaging teeth thereon, Ameans to move the conveyor forwardly, a separating device to remove Vsurplus 4i'ooa'o'co from the conveyor, said device having a 'tobaccoengaglng edge 'adjacent the teeth of the conveyor and Vopposed'to .the direction of movement of the conveyor, means to deflect and guide separated tobacco laway `from vthe Vconveyor in Vits same general direction Voi movement ,in arpath which divergesVY from that of the conveyor, said lastnamed means including .a passage having opposed walls, means [to compact the separated tobacco in the passage, remover'V means to vmove `tobacco away from the'outlet of they passage and to ,deposit thetobacco removed from the passage Aupon the'suri'ace of the conveyor, anda guiding surface "interposed between the remover4 means and the inlet'e'ndfo'f thepassage to Aguide the tobacco'to Vhe deposited by the remover to aposition in advance ofthe passage.

,'33, 11n YapparatusV for v`feeding cut ,tobjat'zcdA a means Y conveyor 'hav-ing"` tobacco-engaging teethv thereon, means to* move" the V'conveyor' forwardly, a separating device to remove sulplus tobacco from the conveyor, said device havingfa tob'accD-engagng edge adjacent theteeth of the conveyor and opposedto the direction vof movement of 'the conveyonineans to deect and'guic'lev separated tobacco away from the conveyor in its same gen- Veral direction of movement in a `=pathwhich Adiverges from'that of the conveyor, said lastnamed means 'including fa passage havingjopposedwalls, l

means to compact'the separated tobacco in the passage, removerimeansjto move 'tobacco "away l fromfthe outlet of the passageand Vto depositthc' tobacco/removedfrom Ythe passage'upon the surface of the conveyoniand apresser-elementing cluding two tobacco-engaging surfacesV onel'o which, presses the tobacco on the conveyor in 'the region'of the position .atwhich the tobacco is engaged by; the separating' device, the other oi saidy surfaces constituting `a guiding surface to guide thetobaccofto Vbe deposited 'by the remover means to a position inadvance of the passage.

,34.In apparatusior feeding cuttobacco, a

source ofisupply from which tobacco is abstracted, fa conveyor havingftobacco-engaging teeth thereonfto convey abstracted tobacco forwardly, means to movel the conveyor forwardly, -a'fseparating device located outside the said. source of supply to remove surplus tobaccoaffrom 'the con- 'yeyon 'said separating device having tobacco-enwhich diverges from that of the conveyonsad Vlast named means including 1a passage having opposed walls, remover 'means to move 'tobacco away from the outlet of the passage and to deposit the tobacco removed from the passage upon the surface of `the conveyor, and a fpresser- 'eiement including two 'tobacco-engaging sur-faces one of which presses the tobacco on the conveyor in the region of the position at which the tobacco is engaged by the separating device, the v`other of said surfaces constituting a gudingsur'face 5 65 32. In apparatus 'for `feeding out tobacco, a.v

gaging teeth adiacent the teeth off` the conveyor anjd opposed tothe direction ofmovemer-it of kthe conveyor, and Ameans to vcause .during operation 'Y or the *as op'aratusr` relative Amovement .between ,the I conveyor .and said tobacco-,engaging teeth .inf a direction transverse. to the directionfof forward movement'of the, conveyor while'keeping the "tobacco-,engaging edge always in .substantially 'the same spaced relation to the surface containing the free pointsotthe'teeth of the conveyor.

.35;` In apparatus forffee'dng cut tobacco, ak Y source of supply from wliichjtobacco is abstract-A ed,V a `conveyor having ,tobacco-engaging teeth thereon, to convey abstracted tobacco forwardly,

means `to move the conveyor forwardly, a-sepay rating devioelocated outside thesaidzsource of supply to remove surplus Ytobacco from .the conveyor, said separating device having tobacco-engaging teeth Vadjacentthe teeth ofthe conveyor and opposed lto the direction of Vmovement .ofj the' conveyor, and means to cause .during `operation of the apparatus relativefreciprocatory v.move-- ment between the vrconveyor and said tobaccoengaging teeth in va direction transverse to the direction of forward movement of the conveyor while keeping the tobacco-engaging edge always in 'substantially the same .spaced relation tothe surface containing the Yfree `points of thc-teeth:of the conveyor.

36; In apparatus'for-'feeding Acutytoloacca fa source of supply from which tobacco is abstracted, a conveyor having' tobacco-engaging teeth A 1 O thereon, to convey.abstractedtobacco forwardly,

meansto move the conveyor forwardly, a separating devicelocated outside the saidV source of supply to remove surplus 'tobacco from the con- Y veyor, said separating device having tobacco-enand opposed to the direction of movement of the conveyor,v means to cause during operationof the apparatus relative movement between the conveyor and said tobacco-engaging teeth in a direction transverse to the direction of forward movement of the conveyor While keeping the tobacco-engaging edge always in substantially the gaging teeth adjacent the teeth of the conveyor v same spaced relation to the surface containingY the freepoints of the teeth of the conveyer, and

means to deect and guide separated tobac' i conveyor and opposed to the direction of moveconveyor and opposed to the direction of movement of the conveyor, means to cause during operation of the apparatus relative movement betweenthe conveyor and said tobacco-engaging 'teeth in a direction transverse to the direction ofr forward movernent'ofV the conveyor, and freely mounted presser-means having, in the direction of movement of the conveyor a convex tobacco-engaging surface located in the region of on, means to move the conveyor forwardly, and

a separating device including a member comprising teeth of generallyvrectangular shape where- -by the free edges of the teeth andthe edges connecting the bases of adjacent teeth together form a tobacco-engaging edge which extends across `the conveyor and which is' arranged adjacent the ment of the conveyor, means to cause Vduring operation of the apparatus 'relative movement between the conveyor and saidjtobacco-engaging teeth in a direction transverse 'to the direction of forward movement of the conveyer while keeping the tobacco-engaging edge always in substantially the same spaced relation to the surface containing the free points of the teeth of the conveyer, and presser-means located in ythe region ofthe position at which the tobacco, is engaged by the tobacco-engaging teeth to press the tobacco into the teeth of the conveyor.

38. In apparatus for feeding cut tobacco, a source of supply fromV which tobacco is abstracted, a conveyor having tobacco-engaging teeth thereon to convey abstractedtobacco forwardly,

means toimove the conveyor forwardly, a sepa,-

rating device to remove surplus tobacco from the conveyor, said separating device having tobaccoengaging teeth adjacentrthe teeth of the conveyor and opposed to they direction of movement ofthe conveyor, means to cause during operation of the apparatus relative movement between the vconveyor and said tobacco-engaging teeth in a direction transverse Vto the direction of for- Ward movement of the conveyor while keeping the tobacco-engaging edge always in substantially the same spaced relation to the surface containing the free points of the teeth of thevconveyor, and means to deflect and guide separated tobacco away from the conveyor in its same general direction of movement in a path which diverges from-that of the conveyor, and Apressermeans located in the region of the position at which the tobacco is engaged by the tobacco-en- 4gaging teeth to press the tobacco into the teeth conveyor and opposed to the direction of movement of thev conveyor to form abarrier extending across the conveyor to .remove surplus tobacco from the conveyor, the edge being so arranged that all points thereof are substantially equidistant from and always remain at substantially the same distance from the surface 'containing the free points of the teethof the conveyor.v

41. In apparatus forvfeeding cut tobacco, a conveyor having tobacco-engaging teeth thereon, means to move the conveyor forwardly, a separating device including a member comprisingr teeth of generally rectangular shape, whereby .the free ledges of the teeth and the edges connecting the bases of adjacent teeth together form a tobacco-engaging edge whichV extends across theconveyor and which is arranged adjacent the conveyor and opposed to the direction of movement of the conveyor to form a barrier exrelative movement between said'tobacco-engaging edge and the conveyor in a direction transverse to the direction of forward movement of the ,conveyor, the. edge being so arranged that all points thereof are substantially equi-distant from v and always remain at substantially the same dis- Vtance fromthe surface containing the free points of the teeth of the conveyor.

42. `In apparatus for feeding cut tobacco, a conveyor having tobacco-engaging teeth thereon, means to' move the conveyor forwardly, and a separatingy device including a member comprising teeth of generally rectangular shape, whereby the free edges of the teeth and the edges connecting 'the bases'of adjacent teethtogether form a tobacco-engaging edge which extends across the conveyor and which is arranged adjacent the conveyor and opposed to the direction of movement ,of the conveyor to forma barrier extending across the conveyor toremove surplus tobacco from the conveyor, and means to effect relative reciprocatory movement between said tobaccoengaging edge and the conveyor in a direction transverse to the direction of forward movement of the conveyor, the edgebeing so arranged that all points thereof are substantially equidistant from and always remain at substantially the same distance from the surface containing the free points of the teeth of the conveyor.

DESMOND'. WALTER MOLINS. FELIX FREDERIC RUAU. 

